Etc | Meaning & How to Use

Etc means “and so forth” or “and others of the same kind.” This abbreviation for et cetera goes at the end of a list (e.g., “unicorns, dragons, fairies, etc.”). The word “etc.” saves the time and space of listing everything that’s in the same category. Like other Latin abbreviations, “etc.” has lowercase letters. It also ends in a period.

Although “etc.” can be a time saver, it works best in certain types of writing, and there are special guidelines to consider. The following tips and examples show how to properly use etc. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can also help you use “etc.” correctly.

Etc meaning: Video overview

Learn how to use “etc.” correctly with the video overview below.

What does etc mean?

“Etc.” is an abbreviation for the Latin expression “et cetera,” which means “and so forth” or “and other things.” The meaning of “etc.” only applies to lists of things that are part of the same category. In other words, you should only use “etc.” when readers can accurately guess what words “etc.” could represent.

What does et cetera mean?

In Latin, “et cetera” means “and the rest.” The Latin word “et” (meaning “and”) is also part of the Latin abbreviation et al., which means “and others.” “Cetera” (meaning “the rest”) stands for other things that are part of one category.

How to use etc in a sentence

There are several grammar and punctuation guidelines to follow when using “etc.” in sentences.

Period after etc

Use a period after “etc.” whether it’s in the middle or at the end of a sentence. The period shows that you’re abbreviating the second word in the Latin expression “et cetera.”

Comma before etc

Because “etc.” represents words that could logically complete a list of things that go together, you need an Oxford comma before “etc.” (e.g., “The DJ played a variety of 90s hip-hop artists, such as De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest, etc.”).

Avoid unnecessary repetition

When using “etc.” in writing, avoid these two common mistakes with unnecessary repetition:

• And etc: When you use “etc.” in sentences, you don’t need to use “and” because the “et” in “et cetera” already means “and.” Therefore, “and etc.” is redundant.
• Etc etc: Also avoid using “etc.” twice in the same sentence or other wordy variations like “et cetera cetera.”
• Eg and etc: You also don’t need “e.g.” (an abbreviation that means “for example”) at the beginning of any list that ends with “etc.”

Etc in formal writing

The abbreviation “etc.” is usually unnecessary and/or too casual in formal writing (e.g., essays and cover letters). For example, APA (a common style and citation guide for academic writing) advises that “etc.” should only be in lists that are in parentheses. For lists that aren’t in parentheses, APA recommends writing “and so forth.”

In workplace writing or job applications, “etc.” gives the impression that you’re omitting important details. If you include lists in this type of writing, use specific word choices rather than “etc.”

Frequently asked questions about etc.

What does etc mean in a text message?

In a text message, etc. means “and other things,” just like it does in any other piece of writing. “Etc.” is the abbreviation for “et cetera.”  It’s used at the end of a list where everything is part of the same category, like these examples:

• Vegans don’t consume any dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.).
• Megan asked for makeup (lip gloss, eyeshadow, etc.) for her birthday.
• We’re growing all of the ingredients for salsa in our garden: tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.

The QuillBot app can help you use “etc.” correctly in text messages.

Is it etc or ect?

It can be ECT or etc. Use “etc.” as an abbreviation for the Latin expression “et cetera” when you mean “and more of the same” at the end of a list. “ECT” is an abbreviation for “electroconvulsive therapy.”

Examples of how to use “etc.” and ETC include the following:

• Chad loves all breakfast foods: eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc.
• One of the side effects of ETC is headaches.

Errors like “ect.” are common, but the QuillBot Grammar Checker can instantly find and fix them.

Is there a comma before etc?

Yes, there is a comma before etc. The “etc.” abbreviation for “et cetera” means “and more things,” so it goes after an Oxford comma that joins a final item to a list. (You don’t need “and” before “etc.,” though.) Examples of a comma before “etc.” include the following:

• The doctor told Ray to avoid jogging, weightlifting, swimming, etc.
• Amanda collects acoustic string instruments (banjos, mandolins, etc.) and plays in a bluegrass band.

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can instantly show you where you need commas in different forms of writing.

Does etc need a period?

Usually, etc. needs a period to show that it’s an abbreviation for “et cetera.” You need one period after the “c.” Use a period at the end of “etc.” whether it’s in the middle or end of a sentence, like these examples:

• Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, etc.
• We put the tent, sleeping bags, etc. in the back of the car and drove to a hotel.

People often drop the period for “etc.” in text messages, and that’s usually okay. The period is mainly important in academic essays and other formal writing. In those situations, the QuillBot Grammar Checker can show you when to use a period.

Is it e.t.c. or etc?

The abbreviation for “et cetera” is “etc.” (with one period after the “c”), not e.t.c. or etc (with two periods or no period). Use a period at the end of “etc.” whether it’s in the middle or end of a sentence, like these examples:

• The photographer put her camera, lenses, etc. in a black bag.
• Flora can bake anything: pies, cakes, breads, etc.

Have you tried QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker? It can instantly show you how to write “etc.” and other common abbreviations.